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Knight's #2
A Knight's Reward
Assaulted and injured by her abusive husband, Ryle, Gisela Anne Balewyne flees with her small son, Ewan. Hiding from Ryle and working as a tailor in the town of Clovebury, Gisela struggles to save enough money to move north and start a new life. With her latest commission from rich French merchant, Crenardieu—sewing garments from luxurious blue silk—she will finally be able to leave and be free of Ryle forever. All goes well until Dominic de Terre, back several years from the Crusade, accepts his lord de Lanceau's mission to find out who has stolen de Lanceau's cloth shipment, worth a fortune.
For Dominic is the father of her son, although he does not know it. And although they discover neither her love, nor his, has ever died, she still cannot tell him the truth. Not yet. Tragically, however, Gisela waits too long.
Dominic discovers not only that Gisela has lied to him about the stolen silks, and has concealed them in her shop, he learns Ewan is his illegitimate son. She has betrayed his trust not once, but twice, and Gisela expects him to arrest her and take Ewan away.
Crenardiue's thugs, however, reach Dominic first, and Gisela realizes there is only one way to save his life. She must go to de Lanceau, admit her crimes, and convince him to let her help him save Dominic. And then she must confront Ryle, the dragon of her nightmares.
For Dominic is the father of her son, although he does not know it. And although they discover neither her love, nor his, has ever died, she still cannot tell him the truth. Not yet. Tragically, however, Gisela waits too long.
Dominic discovers not only that Gisela has lied to him about the stolen silks, and has concealed them in her shop, he learns Ewan is his illegitimate son. She has betrayed his trust not once, but twice, and Gisela expects him to arrest her and take Ewan away.
Crenardiue's thugs, however, reach Dominic first, and Gisela realizes there is only one way to save his life. She must go to de Lanceau, admit her crimes, and convince him to let her help him save Dominic. And then she must confront Ryle, the dragon of her nightmares.
383 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 2008
873 people are currently reading
625 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Kean
115 books428 followersCatherine Kean is an award-winning, Kindle Unlimited All-Star author of medieval romances whose creative muse has coaxed her to also write in other romance genres.
She wrote her first medieval romance, A Knight’s Vengeance, while her baby daughter was napping, and now has a backlist of over 20 published books. Catherine’s novels were originally published in paperback and several were released in Czech, German, and Thai foreign editions. She’s won numerous awards for her stories, including the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Her novels also finaled in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, the National Readers’ Choice Awards, and the International Digital Awards (twice).
In 2019, she started writing paranormal romances for the Cat’s Paw Cove Romance series. When not working on her next book, Catherine enjoys cooking, baking, browsing antique shops, shopping with her daughter, and gardening. She lives in Central Florida with two spoiled rescue cats.
She wrote her first medieval romance, A Knight’s Vengeance, while her baby daughter was napping, and now has a backlist of over 20 published books. Catherine’s novels were originally published in paperback and several were released in Czech, German, and Thai foreign editions. She’s won numerous awards for her stories, including the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Her novels also finaled in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, the National Readers’ Choice Awards, and the International Digital Awards (twice).
In 2019, she started writing paranormal romances for the Cat’s Paw Cove Romance series. When not working on her next book, Catherine enjoys cooking, baking, browsing antique shops, shopping with her daughter, and gardening. She lives in Central Florida with two spoiled rescue cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
February 28, 2018
Gisela and Dominic
Gisela with her three-and-a-half-year-old son, Ewan, are fleeing from her abusive husband, Ryle Balewyne. She settles in the town of Clovebury under her middle name "Anne" and works as a tailor. Gisela accepts a commission from a French merchant, Crenardieu, to sew two garments from cornflower-blue silk. The money from the commission will provide enough money for Gisela and Ewan to travel north, away from Ryle's reach.
Dominic de Terre is hired by Lord Geoffrey de Lanceau to locate a stolen shipment of expensive silk clothe and to discover who stole it. While in disguise Dominic thinks he sees his long lost love, Gisela. He chases the woman only to find out it is her, but not her. This Gisela isn't the same woman he met in the meadow three and a half years ago. This woman is suspicious, distrustful and wary.
Dominic feels Gisela is hiding something. Finding out she has a son leads him to believe she has a husband. Gisela tells him she calls no man husband. (She decides not to tell him about Ryle, yet.) Dominic discovers Gisela has some of the stolen silk. She admits that Crenardieu commissioned her to sew two garments from the silk. When Crenardieu's thugs break down her shop door with an injured Dominic in tow, she realizes it might be too late to confess her secrets. She knows her only option is to travel to Branton Keep and admit to Lord de Lanceau her crime and beg for him to save Dominic.
Catherine Kean has written another fine novel. The characters are personable. Dominic reminded me of Jamie from the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. Both men take severe beatings and rise to fight and love another day. The plot and subplots have enough twists and turns to make this reader question a HEA for Dominic and Gisela. This medieval romance has one steamy love scene at the end of the story.
Gisela with her three-and-a-half-year-old son, Ewan, are fleeing from her abusive husband, Ryle Balewyne. She settles in the town of Clovebury under her middle name "Anne" and works as a tailor. Gisela accepts a commission from a French merchant, Crenardieu, to sew two garments from cornflower-blue silk. The money from the commission will provide enough money for Gisela and Ewan to travel north, away from Ryle's reach.
Dominic de Terre is hired by Lord Geoffrey de Lanceau to locate a stolen shipment of expensive silk clothe and to discover who stole it. While in disguise Dominic thinks he sees his long lost love, Gisela. He chases the woman only to find out it is her, but not her. This Gisela isn't the same woman he met in the meadow three and a half years ago. This woman is suspicious, distrustful and wary.
Dominic feels Gisela is hiding something. Finding out she has a son leads him to believe she has a husband. Gisela tells him she calls no man husband. (She decides not to tell him about Ryle, yet.) Dominic discovers Gisela has some of the stolen silk. She admits that Crenardieu commissioned her to sew two garments from the silk. When Crenardieu's thugs break down her shop door with an injured Dominic in tow, she realizes it might be too late to confess her secrets. She knows her only option is to travel to Branton Keep and admit to Lord de Lanceau her crime and beg for him to save Dominic.
Catherine Kean has written another fine novel. The characters are personable. Dominic reminded me of Jamie from the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. Both men take severe beatings and rise to fight and love another day. The plot and subplots have enough twists and turns to make this reader question a HEA for Dominic and Gisela. This medieval romance has one steamy love scene at the end of the story.
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June 1, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/1/2019)! 🎁
October 8, 2022
This audiobook pulls readers in from the very start and never lets go!
Read full review in the 2022 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2022 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
August 23, 2012
Excellent! Dominic and Gisela are two of my favorite characters. Their history, circumstances, challenges, and chemistry made this super powerful to me.
A knight sent to investigate a stolen shipment of goods crosses paths with the woman he regretfully left behind in order to fight in the crusades, who happens to be running from a demon of her own. Will the history and depth of their feelings for each other provide a second chance or only act as a painful reminder of what never could have been. A beautiful twist. Gisela must do everything to hide her identity and protect her son by fleeing with him away from a monstrous husband. When Dominic shows up, her secrecy and the safety of her son could be threatened, or protected at Dominic's expense...
A knight sent to investigate a stolen shipment of goods crosses paths with the woman he regretfully left behind in order to fight in the crusades, who happens to be running from a demon of her own. Will the history and depth of their feelings for each other provide a second chance or only act as a painful reminder of what never could have been. A beautiful twist. Gisela must do everything to hide her identity and protect her son by fleeing with him away from a monstrous husband. When Dominic shows up, her secrecy and the safety of her son could be threatened, or protected at Dominic's expense...
August 31, 2014
I only give five stars to books that I feel can't get any better. This is one. The story is realistic, believable and I dearly love the way Ms. Kean writes the romance part of her books. Lots of build up and desire.
Another method I use to judge a good book is if I feel as though I'm part of the story and again, the author does this remarkably well. The book had great descriptions, good background and excellent research; it kept my interest to the end.
The fact that Gisela took such very good care of her son was clear throughout the story. Her emotions of fear, love, anger were quite realistic. Overall, a really good book.
Another method I use to judge a good book is if I feel as though I'm part of the story and again, the author does this remarkably well. The book had great descriptions, good background and excellent research; it kept my interest to the end.
The fact that Gisela took such very good care of her son was clear throughout the story. Her emotions of fear, love, anger were quite realistic. Overall, a really good book.
January 6, 2018
Mother's love
There were just a few elements that I had a hard time with. Although he was a trained knight who faced/survived battle, he didn't have any example of being more capable at defense or offense. All he was good at was bearing torture.
Although he was trained and experienced, she still felt that her husband the merchant could best him. Why? There were too many questions about her line of thinking that just irked me.
But pushing all that aside, I liked the storyline. There wasn't too much damsel in distress being saved. She acted for herself and got herself out of many situations. I loved the devotion she had for her son. He came first in her mind.
There were just a few elements that I had a hard time with. Although he was a trained knight who faced/survived battle, he didn't have any example of being more capable at defense or offense. All he was good at was bearing torture.
Although he was trained and experienced, she still felt that her husband the merchant could best him. Why? There were too many questions about her line of thinking that just irked me.
But pushing all that aside, I liked the storyline. There wasn't too much damsel in distress being saved. She acted for herself and got herself out of many situations. I loved the devotion she had for her son. He came first in her mind.
June 24, 2019
Delightful
While some aspects of the previous book made me hesitant to read this one, I'm glad I gave it a chance. Gisela is a formidable woman, willing to do what it takes to make sure she and her son are safe. Dominic is an incredible knight, and won't rest until his mission is completed.
SPOILER
Gisela ends up saving herself and Dominic, which was such a surprise and a welcome change of pace from the usual plotline. Definitely recommend, and likely will purchase so I can read it again.
While some aspects of the previous book made me hesitant to read this one, I'm glad I gave it a chance. Gisela is a formidable woman, willing to do what it takes to make sure she and her son are safe. Dominic is an incredible knight, and won't rest until his mission is completed.
SPOILER
Gisela ends up saving herself and Dominic, which was such a surprise and a welcome change of pace from the usual plotline. Definitely recommend, and likely will purchase so I can read it again.
April 14, 2014
Gisela has run Away fro her abusive husband and takes shelter in a nearby village where she sews silk garments for a rich man. When the man who is the real father to her child shows up, she must find a way to have him help her, even though she has lied to him twice. Good read with some suspense. Recommended.
December 11, 2017
True everlasting love
This was a wonderful,suspenseful,love story. It was hard to put down. I would definately recommend it to anyone who wants a good escape into a romantic world of brave knights and their ladies.
This was a wonderful,suspenseful,love story. It was hard to put down. I would definately recommend it to anyone who wants a good escape into a romantic world of brave knights and their ladies.
June 2, 2019
Read in one day.
November 10, 2020
Romance and Adventure
This is a story about a mother who will do everything she possibly can to care for her son and keep him safe from the harsh world she has found herself involved in. Her first love has returned from the Crusades and they both need to overcome many misunderstandings and the evil people who want to harm them
This is a story about a mother who will do everything she possibly can to care for her son and keep him safe from the harsh world she has found herself involved in. Her first love has returned from the Crusades and they both need to overcome many misunderstandings and the evil people who want to harm them
August 30, 2014
This was a really terrific story and if you don't fall in love with the 'Little Warrior'... try again. Gisela was a hard read because she constantly made assumptions about men she came in contact with and more often than not she was wrong. What I really disliked (and I think the author repeated this sentiment too often) was that Gisela continually felt she was the only one who could protect and save Dominic. He's a freaking giant of a warrior, and Gisela has decided that no one can do their job and save him.
I do like a strong woman but this was too much. Instead of showing care, and her devotion towards Dominic it felt instead as though Gisela had little to no confidence in Dominic, his strength, strength of character, and his loyalty to de Lanceau. How does this not affect Dominic?
The story was a very good one, and though a lot of Gisela's personality tweaked me the wrong way she WAS a mother, and a protective one at that. I do think she was also written well as an abused wife, and I know there was a good deal that annoyed me. I have known two women that were battered women, and they DID annoy me until I figured out that they were being grievously hurt by their husbands.
Btw - applause to the author when Ryle 'got it'. I cheered, and my husband gave me an odd look. It was the perfect coup de grace.
I do like a strong woman but this was too much. Instead of showing care, and her devotion towards Dominic it felt instead as though Gisela had little to no confidence in Dominic, his strength, strength of character, and his loyalty to de Lanceau. How does this not affect Dominic?
The story was a very good one, and though a lot of Gisela's personality tweaked me the wrong way she WAS a mother, and a protective one at that. I do think she was also written well as an abused wife, and I know there was a good deal that annoyed me. I have known two women that were battered women, and they DID annoy me until I figured out that they were being grievously hurt by their husbands.
Btw - applause to the author when Ryle 'got it'. I cheered, and my husband gave me an odd look. It was the perfect coup de grace.
September 28, 2014
Much better than knight's persuasion the lead female character is a tad annoying. But if you don't phone off with the little warrior Ewan, somethings wrong. She flees from an abusive husband physically abusive. He knows all the time that her son is not his but Dominic's.gets a little strange I hate Rhyle The abusive husband. This would read faster kept me interested and not quite is a bore as Edourad's story in book four. This one I will read again nice escape from the real world for a while. Catherine did a very good job on this one.
April 19, 2019
A Knight and His lost Love
Dominic has loved Gisela for years separated by war and a bitter stepmother! Gisela has survived a cruel husband and several vicious beatings from a vile husband lead to a tumultuous reunion between the two. Can their new found love survive secrets and betrayal? A must read!
Dominic has loved Gisela for years separated by war and a bitter stepmother! Gisela has survived a cruel husband and several vicious beatings from a vile husband lead to a tumultuous reunion between the two. Can their new found love survive secrets and betrayal? A must read!
July 20, 2014
4**** Gisela is in hiding with her son. Dominic is trying to find who has stolen his overlord's silk. There is plenty of action in this book and a lovely spirited little boy. A beautiful love story with a very brave heroine.
February 23, 2014
A Knights Reward
A Knights Reward
what a great book. I love these historical romances. the talk, the Nobel knights and ladies a really great read and I am anxious to start the third book of this series
A Knights Reward
what a great book. I love these historical romances. the talk, the Nobel knights and ladies a really great read and I am anxious to start the third book of this series
January 23, 2017
Excellent
Great story to follow the series! I really enjoyed it but it seemed a bit short. Probably because I wanted to know the rest, the wedding, etc. Hopefully in the next book!
Great story to follow the series! I really enjoyed it but it seemed a bit short. Probably because I wanted to know the rest, the wedding, etc. Hopefully in the next book!
October 13, 2018
Exciting story line
Strong language skills in this writter. I could see and hear, even feel everything she discribed. Very romantic and yet not slutty. Exciting story line, action almost every minute.
Strong language skills in this writter. I could see and hear, even feel everything she discribed. Very romantic and yet not slutty. Exciting story line, action almost every minute.
October 22, 2018
LOVE IS THE REWARD
Dominick and Gisela’s story was really good. They love for one another withstood lies and class. I highly recommend this book which is full of intrigue. Kudos to Catherine Kean!
Dominick and Gisela’s story was really good. They love for one another withstood lies and class. I highly recommend this book which is full of intrigue. Kudos to Catherine Kean!
August 30, 2012
Nice read. A really cute story, with villains, knights and a damsel in distress. What more can you want. A really lovely ending too
February 9, 2014
4 1/2 STARS
Well thought out story! Gisela and Dominic were intriguing to watch and little Ewan made my heart ache a few times.
Well thought out story! Gisela and Dominic were intriguing to watch and little Ewan made my heart ache a few times.
December 10, 2017
Great series
I have enjoyed other books in this series and this one did not disappoint. The characters are strong and likable and the story line was good.
I have enjoyed other books in this series and this one did not disappoint. The characters are strong and likable and the story line was good.
December 17, 2017
Three star rating
Enjoyed the book in one sitting. Action packed story line that moved long at a decent pace and had an admirable lead female character.
Enjoyed the book in one sitting. Action packed story line that moved long at a decent pace and had an admirable lead female character.
February 21, 2018
Wonderful
So enjoyed this story. I felt like I was right in the with Gesila, felt pain yet her happiness. I felt her joy.
So enjoyed this story. I felt like I was right in the with Gesila, felt pain yet her happiness. I felt her joy.
October 19, 2018
Good read
Enjoyed the book. It had plenty of action and romance and of course a happy ending. Most importantly it had an ending
Enjoyed the book. It had plenty of action and romance and of course a happy ending. Most importantly it had an ending
October 22, 2018
An epilogue would have been great
December 21, 2018
Wonderful story. I did not want to put it down.
Concentration is more on the romance than the history but the historic setting of medieval times appears to be authentic.
Concentration is more on the romance than the history but the historic setting of medieval times appears to be authentic.
February 7, 2019
Delightful
A delightful story. The strength of the female character was inspiring. I liked the role reversal in this book. A good read.
A delightful story. The strength of the female character was inspiring. I liked the role reversal in this book. A good read.
May 6, 2019
A knights reward
"What an emotional ride. There are twists and turns that make your head spin. From beginning to the end, the story had me glued to each page. A must read
"What an emotional ride. There are twists and turns that make your head spin. From beginning to the end, the story had me glued to each page. A must read
June 3, 2019
Great story
A wonderful tale with lots of action and nail biting suspense. It really kept my interest, a page turner. Wrapped up nicely.
A wonderful tale with lots of action and nail biting suspense. It really kept my interest, a page turner. Wrapped up nicely.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews